Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
During the past year, Homeward Bound made tremendous strides in ensuring the cost of care was properly reimbursed by clearly identifying individuals' needs according to the specific criteria under which reimbursement rates are determined. This successfully established exceptions for more than 50 individuals and generated additional reimbursement without requiring additional services. This review of revenue, along with a complete review of expenses, collectively moved Homeward Bound from operating in the red to operating in the black. This was accomplished while also making progress on capital improvement projects, conducting compensation renovations across a number of departments and position groups, and launching a recreation initiative for individuals so they can experience full and active lives. During the year, Homeward Bound also recruited six new board members across its corporate and foundation boards and successfully hosted two new fundraising events. Homeward Bound also launched its Student Direct Service Professional hiring initiative to draw candidates as young as 16 through traditional recruitment channels and affiliate school partnerships. Perhaps the greatest success came from garnering community support in the form of new volunteers, including individuals and groups, young and old, who partnered in providing support and engagement directly to individuals, as well as through projects that helped improve home settings.
Current Goals
In the next year, Homeward Bound plans to implement “Adventure Club,” our approach to travel and experiences for individuals that many would not have considered possible before. Through development of partnerships with travel agents and resorts, along with the use of our specialized recreation bus and engaging staff who can travel alongside individuals, Homeward Bound believes most barriers individuals encounter in planning and engaging in travel will be eliminated. Donor-engaged giving will secure travel funding for individuals who lack financial resources, including through a live ask at an evening gala program associated with our 30th Annual Golf and Gala fundraiser. Homeward Bound is also planning to engage in a Vision Retreat at our partner, the Steger Center in Ely, MN, where senior leaders will spend three days planning for the future. This is particularly important as, by 2029, fourteen of the agency’s homes will be paid for in full, and in 2030, the lease on corporate offices will be up for renewal. The retreat work product from senior leaders will be shared with Board members as a starting place for their consideration of future strategy and as an update to prior strategic planning that took place less than two years ago. In this way, staff leaders who are most informed can have a voice, and volunteer Board members can combine their skills and experience with this internal perspective from staff. Together, Homeward Bound can consider current and future individual needs alongside the disability services ecosystem while planning for the 2029–2030 timeframe.
Community or Constituency Served
Homeward Bound, Inc. provides 24-hour residential services for children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. The individuals we serve represent a wide range of ages and diverse ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Geographic Area Served
We operate 22 residential homes throughout Hennepin County and the western Twin Cities metropolitan area.
